Spotlight Archive Items

Actor Martin Sheen, left, discusses his new film "The Way" with Mount President Ann McElaney-Johnson at a private screening of the movie on the College's Chalon Campus.

Mount Hosts Screening of 'The Way' With Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez

Nov. 7, 2011 -- Mount Saint Mary’s University hosted a private screening of Martin Sheen’s new movie, "The Way," in the William H. Hannon Theater on Nov. 5. A panel discussion featuring Sheen and his son, Emilio Estevez, who wrote and directed the movie, followed the screening. The screening was sponsored by CIMA (Catholics in Media Associates), and was open to CIMA members.

In "The Way," Martin Sheen plays Tom, an American doctor who comes to St. Jean Pied de Port, France, to collect the remains of his adult son (played by Emilio Estevez), killed in the Pyrenees in a storm while walking the Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of Saint James. Rather than return home, Tom decides to embark on the historical pilgrimage to honor his son's desire to finish the journey.

After the screening, the 350 attendees heard from Sheen, Estevez, and a panel of religious experts, including moderator Dr. Craig Detweiller, communications professor from Pepperdine University; Sr. Rose Pacatte, a member of the Daughters of St. Paul, and the Director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies in Los Angeles; Father Eddie Siebert, founder and president, Loyola Productions; The Rev. Scott Young, executive director, University Religious Conference, UCLA; as well as one of the film’s producers, David Alexanian, who also produced “The Long Way Round,” “The Long Way Down” and “Where the Red Fern Grows.”

Sheen, Estevez and Alexanian have been touring the country showing the film, and encouraging people to attend through word of mouth. Sheen and Alexanian noted the difficulties in marketing independent films like The Way. Alexanian noted that unless people support these types of small, independent films, “we are going to get something like ‘Transformers 9.’”